Signs your Vyvanse dose is too high

In this article:

• Signs your Vyvanse dose is too high
• Maximum dosage
• What to do if you overdose on Vyvanse
• Overdose prevention

In this article

• Signs your Vyvanse dose is too high
• Maximum dosage
• What to do if you overdose on Vyvanse
• Overdose prevention

More than 4% of adults and 11% of children in the United States have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In 2016, 62% of children with ADHD were taking ADHD medication. ADHD medication includes well-known stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Concerta or Ritalin) as well as non-stimulants like Strattera (atomoxetine). Another commonly prescribed ADHD medication is Vyvanse. Vyvanse contains the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, and it’s used to treat ADHD in adult and pediatric patients, as well as binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse works in the central nervous system to increase levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers), norepinephrine, and dopamine. In turn, a higher amount of these chemicals in the body can improve ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and reduce binge-eating episodes.     

While Vyvanse is an effective treatment for mental health disorders, it is an amphetamine and has the potential to be abused. Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it can lead to psychological and physical dependence. Taking a Vyvanse dose that is too high or overdosing on Vyvanse will also cause serious side effects. It’s important to recognize the signs of Vyvanse overdose and understand the complications that may occur in order to help individuals seek recovery.

Related: What is Vyvanase?

Signs your Vyvanse dose is too high

A Vyvanse dose that is too high can increase the risk of negative side effects that interfere with daily function or are unable to be tolerated. Signs that your Vyvanse dose is too high include the following common side effects that may occur at a high frequency:

• Anxiety
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Feeling jittery
• Increased heart rate
• Irritability
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight loss 

Vyvanse overdose symptoms

Taking more Vyvanse than recommended can also cause overdose, which can lead to serious complications such as muscle tissue breakdown, circulatory collapse, and even death. Signs of an overdose include the following:

• Aggression
• Coma
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Heart problems such as heart attack or irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• High fever
• Panic
• Psychosis
• Rapid breathing
• Restlessness
• Stomach cramps
• Tics or tremors

Withdrawal symptoms

Someone who takes too much Vyvanse over a long period can also become physically dependent on the drug. When this happens, withdrawal symptoms can occur when Vyvanse is discontinued or the dose is reduced. How long withdrawal symptoms last depends on the dose of Vyvanse and how long the drug has been used. However, most symptoms will resolve within a few weeks. Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Cravings
• Depression
• Excessive drowsiness or trouble sleeping
• Fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Irritability
• Vivid and unpleasant dreams

Maximum Vyvanse dosage

The maximum Vyvanse dosage recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is 70 mg once a day for adults and children. Vyvanse is usually started at a much lower dose (30 mg once a day) and slowly increased in increments of 10 or 20 mg to reach an effective dose that works for each person. Vyvanse should be taken in the morning with or without food.

Can you overdose on Vyvanse?

Taking too much Vyvanse can lead to overdose. An accidental overdose may occur if a person takes more than the prescribed dose of Vyvanse and exceeds the maximum daily dosage (70 mg per day). However, the risk of overdose increases if Vyvanse is misused for recreational purposes or is taken without medical supervision. 

If untreated, Vyvanse overdose can be fatal, especially if Vyvanse is mixed with alcohol or other drugs such as antidepressants. In animal studies, a lethal dose of Vyvanse was found to be 1000 mg/kg, which is five times higher than the lethal dose of dextroamphetamine—an ingredient in the ADHD medications Adderall and Dexedrine. 

What to do if you overdose on Vyvanse

If you believe you or a loved one has overdosed on Vyvanse, it’s vital to seek medical care right away. Call your healthcare provider or Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If overdose symptoms are severe, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. 

Vyvanse overdose is treated based on the severity of symptoms and how much Vyvanse is taken. A physician will assess the situation and provide supportive care based on the patient’s symptoms. Treatment options may include: 

• Benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam) to manage severe agitation and seizures. 
• Activated charcoal can be used to reduce the absorption of Vyvanse in the digestive tract (if administered shortly after taking Vyvanse).  
• Intravenous fluids are given to help replenish water and electrolytes in the body.

With prompt and appropriate supportive care, most people who overdose on Vyvanse can fully recover, and fatalities are rare. 

How do you know if your Vyvanse dosage is working?

The same Vyvanse treatment plan won’t work for everyone. Some people only tolerate small doses of Vyvanse, while others require higher doses to control their symptoms. It’s important to recognize how someone may respond to Vyvanse when the dose is too little, just enough, or too much:

• Too little: Symptoms of ADHD, like inattention and hyperactivity, are not well controlled, or binge eating episodes have not improved. 
• Just enough: Quality of life and symptoms improve, while side effects are minimal and manageable.
• Too much: Side effects of Vyvanse are more likely. In rare cases, serious toxic reactions such as overdose are possible.

The ideal Vyvanse dose should strike a balance between improving disease symptoms and minimizing side effects. A healthcare provider will help find a suitable treatment regimen that is individualized for each person.

How to prevent Vyvanse overdose

Vyvanse overdose is avoidable. There are steps that you or a loved one can take to prevent Vyvanse overdose: 

• Follow a titration schedule. Titration is the process of gradually increasing a drug dose until it produces the greatest benefit. Your healthcare provider will advise you on a dosing schedule. People who use Vyvanse for the first time will receive a low dose, and then the amount is increased in weekly intervals if needed until the most effective dose is reached. Following a titration plan under the medical advice of a healthcare provider ensures that the meds are safe and that the lowest dose possible is given.
• Avoid certain antidepressants. Vyvanse interacts with antidepressant drugs that increase the level of serotonin in the body. Too much serotonin increases the risk of a serious Vyvanse side effect called serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. To prevent this reaction, Vyvanse should not be taken  with certain antidepressants classified as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If approved by the healthcare provider, Vyvanse may be taken with other antidepressants such as SSRIs, but the patient should be closely monitored. Before taking Vyvanse, let the doctor know about all prescription medications and supplements being taken.   
• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a sedative and counteracts the stimulant effect of Vyvanse. Therefore, drinking alcohol can make it feel like Vyvanse is not working. This can lead to people taking higher doses of Vyvanse because they don’t feel the effects of the drug. Alcohol should not be mixed with prescription stimulants due to the increased risk of overdose. Alcohol can also impair judgment and potentially lead to misuse or overdose.
• Take Vyvanse as directed. Accidentally taking an extra dose of Vyvanse or using it without a prescription can cause harm. Take Vyvanse at the same time each day to avoid double dosing. Make sure to follow the instructions on the medication guide.
• Never let someone else take your medication. A study among college students found that around 33% of students have shared their prescription drugs with someone else. Sharing Vyvanse in this way can lead to dangerous consequences like overdose. Always keep Vyvanse in a secure place that is not easily accessible to others.

Vyvanse misuse

Vyvanse is a stimulant drug with a high risk of misuse. Drug misuse means that the medication is taken in a way other than prescribed or for recreational use. Some people misuse prescription stimulants to improve mental or athletic performance. Others try snorting the drugs or injecting them into a vein to produce feelings of euphoria. 

Prescription stimulants are some of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States:

• In a 2020 survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, among people aged 12 and older, 5.1 million (1.8%) reported misusing prescription stimulants in the past year. 
• Among adolescents in 2022, approximately 2.3% of 8th graders, 2.9% of 10th graders, and 3.4% of 12th graders reported using Adderall without a doctor prescribing it.
• An estimated 1.5 million people had a prescription stimulant use disorder in 2021.
• Drug overdose deaths involving psychostimulants rose from 12,122 in 2015 to 57,497 in 2022, with 70% involving fentanyl.

Because of its formulation, Vyvanse does have less drug abuse potential than other stimulant ADHD medications, but it can still be habit-forming. Vyvanse is considered less addictive than other stimulants, such as Adderall because it has no effect until it is metabolized or broken down in the body. However, taking Vyvanse incorrectly can ultimately lead to addiction and substance use disorder. Having a family history of drug addiction can also increase the likelihood of dependence.

RELATED: Vyvanse vs. Adderall

How to identify Vyvanse misuse in children or teenagers

Children and teenagers are at risk of abusing prescription drugs because of their easy accessibility. A child may unknowingly take Vyvanse from a medication bottle left on the table. A child might also accidentally swallow a sibling’s ADHD medicine. For teenagers, it’s not uncommon to misuse Vyvanse while studying for an exam or for the purpose of getting high. It’s essential for parents to recognize the signs of possible Vyvanse misuse to prevent serious consequences like overdose. 

Children and teenagers who misuse ADHD stimulants may exhibit the following behaviors and symptoms:

• Behaviors: Problems in school, isolation, and secrecy, changes in friends, activities, or spending habits
• Physical symptoms: Insomnia, weight loss, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, feeling jittery
• Mental symptoms: Mood swings, anxiety, aggression, paranoia

Parents or caregivers who recognize any of these warning signs should talk with their children about the dangers of drug misuse in an open and honest way. Parents should also closely monitor prescription medicines at home and secure them out of the reach of children. 

Vyvanse addiction and rehab resources

Many treatment options are available for individuals who develop an addiction to Vyvanse. The goal of addiction treatment is to help people through the detoxification process of slowly stopping Vyvanse and getting through withdrawal. This is accomplished through a combination of behavioral therapy and inpatient or outpatient treatment at a rehabilitation facility. Medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms may also be prescribed. With the right support, long-term recovery is attainable.

To learn more about treatments for Vyvanse abuse and addiction, visit:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
• National Institute on Drug Abuse resources
• USA.gov resources